While wandering the streets of Manhattan recently it occurred to me that historic events have occurred on almost every street in that megalopolis. In the 1980s, I lived just off Washington Square Park on Bleecker Street. There in the shadow of New York University (NYU) is a broad open space that hosts chess players, musicians, […]
Politics for Pilots
Currency requirements times two
For general aviation pilots there is no more compelling challenge than that presented by currency. We’re talking about currency in both its common forms — cash and recent flight time. At least that’s the impression one could get from reading the email and notes readers send my way. These topics are inextricably linked for those […]
Taking a break from the regular routine
Typically, I write this column from an office in my home. My writing space used to be a single-car garage. But since single-car garages are generally too narrow and shallow to actually park a car in them, I converted mine into two rooms. The larger of the two is my office. The other is a […]
Reconsidering the CFI
I am a Certificated Flight Instructor. I’m proud of that fact. The CFI ticket is a highly sought after indication of capability that opens the door for many of us to our first professional gig as a pilot. It takes considerable study and focus to earn a CFI ticket, or the instrument instructor (CFII), or […]
And a pilot shall lead them
Education is a hot button issue in any election year. Yet it never gets any better, no matter what we’re promised. It’s my impression the electorate merely wants to hear someone make a promise, even if it’s an empty one. They’re looking for a cheerleader. Somebody to toss out platitudes and catch-phrases that give the […]
Video: Hooking the next generation on flying
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my work revolves around the ability to take others aloft in a bright yellow and black Reimagined Cessna 152. The airplane is pretty much a stock C-152, not much different than those you’ve probably logged time in. What separates the airplane I fly from the one you flew […]
Let’s hear it for the team
The act of aviating is often a solitary endeavor. Or at least it appears to be. In truth, there are many hands that go into making a safe flight happen. Certainly the pilot plays a pivotal role, but there are mechanics, and line-service personnel, parts manufacturers, administrators, and so many others who play a role. […]
Top 5 Reasons to Get Airborne
I’ve never really understood why it’s true, but people seem to like lists for some reason. They’re forever buying magazines and clicking on hot links that will take them to The Top 3 Retirement Destinations in America, or The Top 5 Cars For 2016, or The Top 10 Reasons You Should Shop at Ralph’s. It’s […]
United we stand, divided we … you know the rest
The difference between a mob and a group is subtle, but it’s there Often the distinction rests on the organization of the gathering and the leadership that officiates over it. Even with the best of intentions, a peaceful, seemingly docile group of people can be stirred into near hysterics with little more than a rumor […]